The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) hosted the 4th India–Kenya Joint Defence Coordination Committee (JDCC) meeting at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, reaffirming the strong and steadily expanding defence partnership between Kenya and India.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training, Major General Fredrick Leuria, and India’s Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Mr Amitabh Prasad. Deliberations were held within the framework of the existing Joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation and the BAHARI Maritime Vision Document, which guides bilateral maritime collaboration.
During the visit, the delegation paid courtesy calls on the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, and the Defence Principal Secretary, Dr Patrick Mariru. Consultations focused on strategic defence cooperation, regional security dynamics, and strengthening institutional defence mechanisms.
The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on enhancing cooperation in maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean, counter-terrorism collaboration, joint military training, professional military education, seminars and exercises, defence industry engagement, medical training and equipment support, and enhanced border security measures. The discussions also acknowledged Kenya’s election as Chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), underscoring the country’s growing leadership role in regional maritime security.
Both delegations reviewed progress made since the 3rd JDCC, including participation of KDF leadership in AEROINDIA 2025; multiple Indian Navy and Coast Guard ship port calls at Mombasa; the visit of the Commander Kenya Navy to India; engagement in multilateral platforms such as MILAN and the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026; the commissioning of a CT scan complex to enhance defence medical services; and the successful conduct of the 3rd India–Kenya Defence Exhibition and Seminar.
The delegates reaffirmed their commitment to implementing existing Memoranda of Understanding, strengthening joint working groups through technology-enabled engagements, and sustaining momentum under the JDCC framework.
As part of the programme, the delegation also toured the National Defence College, where they were received by the Commandant, Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai, and briefed on the College’s strategic leadership training programmes.
The engagement reflects the enduring Kenya–India defence partnership anchored on mutual respect, shared security interests, and a common commitment to regional peace and stability.
Add Comment